S1 | 6/10 | “The Prince of Wails”

Posted Thomas on December 23rd, 2007 | Filed under Episode Reviews

Episode Review: “The Prince of Wails”
Season 1
Original Airdate: 4/12/95
Review Rating: 6/10

The Sliders land on a world where the United States is actually the British States of America.

While “The Prince of Wails” gives a brief resolution to the previous episode the “Summer of Love”, the Sliders promise not to become involved with the locals on the next world. I think it’s great they wore the same clothes from one episode to the next. We’ll see in later seasons that after they slide at the end of an episode, and seemingly pick up from where they left off on the next; their apparel has been mysteriously changed. It’s a bit discouraging seeing that, as you can imagine.

Back to the matter at hand, the Sliders land in a fountain and Arturo is suddenly mistaken for his double, who is none other than the Sheriff of San Francisco. They live it up when they’re treated to the royal suite at a local hotel. Arturo explains that on this world Americans lost the Revolutionary War to Britain, and they continue to be ruled by a monarchy. The Sliders seem to discuss the historical events of this world habitually. Hence, one of the primary weakness of this episode is the overuse of historical documentation. Sure there’s a need to explain a brief history of the world they’re on, but I tend to feel they go too in-depth in the process.

As Arturo continues to be mistaken as the Sheriff, the Sliders discover Prince Harold of Great Britain, is being targeted for murder. You see, the Arturo of this world is intent on killing the Prince in order to obtain the throne. When the Sliders discover this, their promise to stay uninvolved in the affairs of this world is quickly forgotten. Meanwhile, Professor Arturo and the Prince are taken hostage by the Oakland Raiders. No not the football team, but a group of rebels destined to bring freedom to their homeland. Quinn tries to locate the runaway Prince and in the process is captured by the police. The Sliders eventually enlighten Harold of the marvelous Bill of Rights, and try to discover a way to stop Quinn’s execution sentence.

Just when you think this episode is nothing but serious, we find Arturo’s double proudly presenting his book, Everything I Say Is Right. There’s also a few amusing remarks from Rembrandt, especially his proclamation of “The Godfather of Soul”.

This is undoubtedly one of the most complex and historical defining episodes of the first season. If you have an interest in the history of the United States or Great Britain, this episode is definitely for you.

Memorable Quotes:

Arturo (to Prince Harold): “From the top– The First Amendment guarantees… ?”
Prince Harold: “Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.”
Arturo: “Good lad. The Second?”
Prince Harold: “Right to bear arms.”
Rembrandt: “Scratch that one.”
Arturo: “Wait a minute. This is not multiple choice. This is the Bill of Rights.”
Rembrandt: “They don’t know that. We’re the Founding Fathers now. It’s a grave responsibility.”
Arturo: “We don’t have time! The Fourth Amendment protects against “unreasonable search and seizure,” right? The Fifth provides for “due process and the right against self-incrimination.” The Sixth– What’s the Sixth?”
Rembrandt: “Equal rights for all, regardless of race, religion, or musical preference.”
Arturo: “It is not!”
Wade: “It is now. 18 minutes until the gateway opens.”
Arturo: “Oh, the hell with it. You’re on your own, lad. Wing it.”